Devils Marbles
Part of the point of this journey was the challenge myself in terms of my thinking – the ‘all or nothing’, do or die thinking which has been my default for decades. As I lay in my tent yesterday morning dreading the day ahead – sore arse and knees, as well as 134k to cover – I wondered what would happen I just hopped on a bus or got a lift (mind you there is only one bus each day and it travels overnight, dropping you at various places at stupid o’clock when you can’t access camping of food! Nothing would happen – Absolutely nothing. Except I’d enjoy my day more and give myself a break, mentally and physically. As it happens neither of those options eventuated but that wasn’t the point – the point was to start to give myself permission to do what serves me, to be easier on myself.
The ride yesterday was epic – I can say that now that it’s over because trust me, the word ‘epic’ wasn’t one of many I used during the ride! 134k of rolling unrelenting roads in to a nasty cross wind – the last 5k took half an hour!! Battered and bewildered I pitched up in Tennant Creek campsite, then like a kid in a candy store did some shopping in the local IGA- bread, milk, chocolate….food!! A whole week without a shop really takes some getting used to. What I’ll never get used to are the flies! Omg….they are infuriating! Up your nose, in your ears, in your mouth, stuck behind your glasses, in your helmet….! I did bring a fly net which will be deployed when I get back to turning the pedals tomorrow.
It’s hard to describe just how desolate and barren it is along the route. There are no shops, no cafes, the rest areas (for that read ‘truck stop with no facilities or shade, water or toilets) are few and far between and often full of rubbish and swarming with flies. So I tend to pull off the bitumen in to the red dirt, find a tree for shade and have a snack – stopping for only 5-10 minutes at a time as it’s just to challenging if you stay too long – flies, and getting bitten by ants and constantly scared of snakes and other nasties!
Today I’m resting – there’s a small unheated pool here which is divine for my weary legs. Had a gander in to town and got accosted countless times for money and drink, but all amicable in the main. Over half the population of Tennant identify as Aboriginal. Some of the art work and murals are delightful.
Resting my weary legs at Tennant Creek
Tennant Creek Street Art
What an amazing experience you are having. I can only imagine how tough it is and what you are going through but man, live in the moment, as this will be something you will always look back on and I believe will make you are a better person, you know what I mean 💙
Hi Tony
I remember those flies.
They are the great unmentionable in tourist promos for Australia’s inland.
Good to see some options emerge re getting to stops further up the road Tony. Wonder if they would give you some extra time in places where there are some wonderful.things to see if you have the time to go rest and go to nearby known spots and return to in a leisurely enjoyable way with people knowing where you are.
Oh….And now you know why earlier people wore corks on their hats. Xx
Glad you’re getting a rest! Eat extra biscuits! Good luck with the next ride day xx
Proud of you TK.
Keep on keeping on remembering the k’s behind you are no longer in front of you. Take rest when and where you can and enjoy the ride (as hard as it may be) because when you look back on it you will cherish every day and what you will have achieved. Cheers mate
Mate….that tan is hilarious….sock marks too? Ha ha
Your dream is happening, soak up every fun, strange, wonderful, difficult moment…see you in Ireland
Yes, love the tan 🤣
Hi my friend, your words are so powerful Tony. I cannot imagine how tough this must be, but wow, you are DOING it. As they say what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger. You will be stronger physically and mentally. It makes us appreciate the simple things in life – like chocolate and cool water! Hang in there buddy, and if you want that extra day or off, bloody do it. Remember to be kind to yourself, and PROUD! Lotsa love 🤍💜🤍💜🤍💜
Tony I was in Tennant Creek years ago, when I was back packing. Your descriptions are bringing back many memories of Australia and travelling through the Goldfields in my second and longer visit to Australia. I miss it! I cannot imagine what it’s like to do it on a bike! It was an experience in a 4WD not to mind a bike!